Euthara (25 page)

All four knelt and pressed their right fist in to the carpeted floor and bowed to Jon. “My apologies, My Lord,” the closest Ga’sahde said. “I’m Ohaski, we were ordered to the
Atlantis
by the Matriarch before she was captured. She said we were to assist and protect you in any way we can.”

“I have enough guards,” Jon said as he waved them off.

“She said you would say that,” Ohaski said. “She also told us we were to ignore it and proceed as ordered. So, Sir, I’m afraid you’re stuck with us.”

“Fine,” Jon said. He knew it was a losing proposition so he decided to cut through all the complaining and such. He had much more important things to do and time was getting short. “You’ll be the first Ga’sahde besides my sister to step foot on Euthara. What I expect you to do is your job. Bring any people you need with you. You have one minute to get them here.”

“It’s already done,” Ohaski said. “We have four hundred Ga’sahde warriors aboard and thirty or so Councilors. All escorts have been assigned to the Councilors and all things are prepared for their arrival.”

“I’m impressed,” Jon said. “However, I didn’t think the Ga’sahde had a warrior caste.”

“We’re all trained in self-defense and we have a small army that can assemble in the time of need,” Ohaski said. “How else could we defend our system and temples?”

“Makes sense,” Jon said. “You’ll be in charge on the ground until Commander Arianna arrives. She will then take command of the Ga’sahde on the ground. I’m going to warn you right now, and you need to get this clear. The Ga’sahde are not to go anywhere without escorts. There are people on Euthara that can and will execute them on sight. Is this understood?”

“Yes Sir,” Ohaski said. “It will be as you say.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me,” Jon said.

Ohaski saluted and bowed slightly as he said, “As you wish.”

Jon turned his chair back around as he said, “Status?”

“All green, all troops are on board and accounted for,” Atlantis said.

“What is the final count?” Jon said.

“Four thousand four hundred troops and just over two thousand support troops,” Atlantis said. “We also have three hundred fighter pilots and ships aboard waiting to be deployed.”

Jon let out a low whistle and then said, “How did we manage that? That’s twice what I thought we would have.”

“The Invaru ships here helped with people and equipment,” Atlantis said. “The Drovasian ships en route to us sent people ahead of them. The rest of them are from the ships currently here. Admiral Breq is due to arrive in one day and has said they have an additional one thousand troops that can be deployed at your request when he arrives. The Ga’sahde at Ghost Station are reporting another two thousand troops can be dispatched to our location in a day and can arrive here a day after dispatch. Sa’oliq has messaged her people and they’re sending an additional eight thousand troops and equipment. We’ve also had messages from other races that are sending envoys here to see if what they hear is true that the Ga’sahde are back. Most of them want to see you once they arrive and then would like to talk to the Matriarch afterwards.”

“That will be a bit more difficult than they think,” Jon said.

“Sir, there is a communication from Euthara Command for you,” the Com officer said.

“Put it through on the main screen,” Jon said.

A young Eutharan wearing the insignia of a captain appeared on the screen.

“What can I do for you Captain?” Jon said.

“You can remove you troops from the two impact craters,” the Captain said.

Jon stood up and glared at the young Captain as he said, “Excuse me? Is that how you address a Prince?”

“Lets get one thing straight,” the Captain said. “You are not my prince.”

Jon reached over and disconnected the com link as he sat back down.

“Sir, they’re hailing us again,” the Com officer said.

“Is it the same person?” Jon said.

“Yes Sir,” the Com officer said.

“He can wait,” Jon said. “Atlantis, secure all stations and prepare to depart. You now have control.”

“Aye Sir,” Atlantis said. “One quarter speed ahead. Deploying secondary stabilizers and plotting entry vector. Recalling all whiskers and preparing for planet fall.”

Atlantis
began to move towards Euthara’s upper atmosphere as a slight glow developed on her shields from the friction.

“Increasing thermal shielding and spinning up atmospheric engines,” Atlantis said.
Atlantis
began to shake as she hit turbulence from the atmosphere.

“Increasing secondary stabilizers to eighty percent to compensate for atmospheric turbulence,” Atlantis said. In seconds the shake was gone as
Atlantis
broke through the upper atmosphere.

Atlantis
being able to enter an atmosphere was something that Jon and his small command crew had kept under wraps until now. Several of the bridge crew gave each other looks as they tried to understand what was going on.

“You have got to be shitting me,” the Tactical officer said.

“Not in the least,” Jon said as he flashed the officer a big grin. “Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

Atlantis gave the officer a wink as he glanced back at Jon and said, “Yes Sir!”

“Anti-grav pods on-line and fully energized,” Atlantis said.

“Atlantis make our course over the main city slow and steady,” Jon said. “Bring all point defense batteries on-line and set a perimeter of two miles in all directions. Connect me to that yahoo in Euthara command.”

“Adjusting course,” Atlantis said. “Routing controls back to Tactical stations.”

“Controls on-line and responding,” Tactical said.

“Scramble fighter pilots and have them stand by,” Jon said.

“Sir, I have Euthara Command on the com,” the Com officer said.

“Put him through on the main screen,” Jon said. A different and much older officer appeared on screen. His rank insignia showed him to be a Captain in the Royal Guard.

“Atlantis, this is Euthara command,” the older Eutharan said. “Your current course takes you over the Capital. I’m ordering you to change course immediately or you will be shot down.”

“Excuse me Captain?” Jon said. He stood up and stepped forward. “I’m well aware of our course. It will not be changed and furthermore any attempt to approach this vessel will result in immediate retaliation.”

“Configuring for atmospheric flight,” Atlantis said. A groan echoed through the ship as it began its transformation. Two large wings separated from the hull and locked themselves into a position to aid in atmospheric flight. Even though they weren’t really needed and everything could be controlled by the thrusters. They gave the
Atlantis
more maneuverability while she was in an atmosphere. The large sub-light engines shut down as power was rerouted to the atmospheric engines. Several collectors opened up across the hull to allow fresh air to circulate through the ship. They were constantly monitored by several systems to make sure the air was breathable and pure. The air was then pushed through a special filter to remove any biological and organic contagions. Jon knew that this would expose the crew to the unknown toxin if the filters weren’t able to trap the toxin and remove it. However, since it wasn’t long lasting and everyone on board would be exposed anyway he didn’t see much harm in it.

“My Prince, this just isn’t allowed,” the Captain said.

“Yeah, well, neither is the kidnapping of my wife and my sister,” Jon said. “You have until we reach Euroth to withdraw all troops and personnel from the two impact craters.”

“We’re currently executing rescue procedures and…” the Captain said.

“You will pull your troops back and we will continue the rescue procedures,” Jon said. “I’ll personally make sure they receive proper medical treatment and arrive home safely.”

“Entering the edge of the Capital, Sir,” Tactical said. “They have fighters in the air but they’re keeping their distance. Ground batteries are targeting us and tracking us.”

“What is the threat level from the ground batteries?” Jon said.

“Very low,” Atlantis said. “It would take them a very long time to push through our shields. They’re meant to be used for long range firing; something that is close reduces their power substantially. Even if we were taking fire in orbit it would take them a while before they could do any real damage to me.”

“Good, slow to one eighth speed,” Jon said. He looked up at the tactical hologram in the center of the bridge as he watched the dozen or so fighters shadowing the
Atlantis
at a safe distance.

The Captain once again drew Jon’s attention as he spoke, “You will withdraw your ship.”

“You don’t want a fight over the capital city do you?” Jon said. “Do you have anything on the ground that can even punch a hole in the shielding of a Battle Cruiser?”

“Our ground batteries are already tracking your movement and we’re prepared to open fire,” the Captain said.

“I’ll ask you again,” Jon said as he reached up to a screen floating next to him and hit a few buttons on it. “Do you have anything on the ground I need to be worried about? I mean you don’t have anything in orbit that’s a threat. So, I’m guessing you’re just as equally castrated here on the ground.”

The Captain sputtered as he tried to form words, his face growing red at the insult.

“The King is on com asking to talk to the Captain of the ship,” the Com officer said.

“Put him up next to the Captain here,” Jon said.

The Kings face flashed up on the screen next to the Captain. When the King saw it was Jon he reached up and rubbed his temples and said, “I should have known it was you.”

“Nice to see you too, Your Majesty, and yes, you should have - who else could it be?” Jon said. “Or are you expecting company that I should be aware of?”

“You’re becoming more trouble than you’re worth you know that, Captain Hunter,” the King said.

“Well, thanks for the compliment,” Jon said as he gave a slight bow. “Glad I could be of service.”

“Why can’t you just go away and leave us alone? We don’t want your help, don’t you get it?” the King said.

“What you mean to say is that ‘You’ don’t want my help,” Jon said. “The people of Euroth have welcomed my help and my people with open arms, including the Invaru that are part of the ADF.”

“Only because they’re the scum of our society,” the King said. His face showed the disgust he had for the people of Euroth.

“Are they still not your subjects? Do they not still live by your laws and have rights under those laws?” Jon said.

“Barely,” the King said.

“You collect taxes from them,” Jon said. “You even tax their crops and exports to the other cities. Yet you don’t have the same health and rebuilding funds available to them that your other cities do. Can you explain to me how this happened?”

A shocked looked crossed the Kings face briefly.

“Oh yes,” Jon said as he let a large grin cross his face. “I’ve done some digging around since we’ve been in control of the city. The records and accounts for all taxes are quite complete with names and dates of the orders and collection agents. Some of those people live in the city and are waiting for my arrival as we speak.”

“You have no right…” the King said.

Jon slammed his fist down on the railing in front of him. The railing shivered from the blow and Jon thought he felt a bone in his hand snap. “I have all the right! The Euthara crown is responsible for all back funding that Euroth is owed and I will make sure it is settled,” Jon said as his face turned red as anger set in. “I carry the title of House Primus of the Ga’sahde it’s time you recognized that right! As much as I hate forcing titles down people’s throats, it gives me a certain type of deep pleasure to do it to you! I will get answers to my questions and the Matriarch will be returned to me along with my soon to be wife or heads will roll. I’m calling the Council back to order at this time.”

The King laughed and slammed his fist into the table in front of him as he did so. He reached up and wiped a tear from his eye as his laughter subsided. “How many times do I have to tell you that you and the Ga’sahde carry no weight here. Your threats are empty and without sustenance. The Council is no more and has been disbanded for years. You don’t make the laws here, I do, and while you’re here, you and your people are subject to those laws.”

“I have nine of the original eleven members of the Council already,” Jon said. He was watching the face of the King as he spoke. “It was something I started working on when I first learned you had unlawfully disbanded them. They seemed quite happy to be returning to their former status and they’re convened and in session right now as we speak.”

“You don’t have all the members,” the King said. His face was a mask and it showed how hard he was trying to hide his surprise and fear at the news.

“According to the treaty only half the members are needed to make a ruling,” Jon said. “That would be five and a half members, I have nine. More than enough to get done what is needed to get done.”

“It changes nothing,” the King said. “The Matriarch’s trial will continue and the investigation of your bonding with my daughter will proceed. The Council has no power here and they can make whatever decisions they want. They’re nothing but a bunch of old has-beens”

“Let me assure you that your head will be the first to roll if my sister or wife are harmed,” Jon said.

“You keep saying that,” the King said. “Yet, I see no action from you except you taking one of the smallest cities on Euthara.”

“Quiet easily I might add,” Jon said.

“Of course it was easy,” the King said as he let out a small laugh. “I let you take it. I pulled all my troops back and allowed you to take it off my hands.”

“You think this is some type of game,” Jon said.

“No, I think you’ll restore the city to its former glory and when you’re done doing that I’ll take it back,” the King said. “You’ll do all the hard work for me. Your time here on Euthara is close to its end, Mr. Hunter.”

“Oh?” Jon said.

“Yes, you’re not the only one who can plan and plot,” the King said. “I’ve been doing it for over half my life. I was taught by the best the Eutharan people have to offer, war is nothing new to me. From what I understand, it’s something very new to you.” The King made a motion with his hand to someone off screen and gave a slight nod. “Things are about to get very interesting for you from this point forward. I think we’re done here Captain.”